This week, I held a House Homeland Security Subcommittee hearing to assess the U.S. homeland’s vulnerabilities to Chinese Communist Party (CCP) aggression.
On April 20, 2023, Homeland Security Secretary Mayorkas issued the “90-day People’s Republic of China Threats Sprint,” displaying an encouraging shift in the Department’s focus on threats emanating from the CCP. However, 90 days are not sufficient to undo the CCP’s 73-year-long campaign to undermine the United States. China has been racing ahead for decades, while we “sprint” to catch up. We must do more.
Both DHS and the FBI need to form long-term strategic plans, like the ones established under the Trump administration, that can counter evolving threats from the CCP now and into the future.
I will continue working in a bipartisan manner to confront the grave security threat posed by the CCP. Watch the full hearing here.
Senior FBI Official Admits to Not Reading Durham Report
During the Homeland Security Subcommittee Hearing, I questioned FBI Deputy Assistant Director of Counterintelligence Jill Murphy. Ms. Murphy admitted that she has not read the Durham Report, which reveals that the FBI willfully ignored material that did not support the Trump-Russia Hoax, saying "I just haven't had time."
It's incredibly disheartening to hear that a senior member of our Nation's counterintelligence apparatus hasn't taken the time to read an incredibly important report that outlines how the FBI moved too quickly with its investigation into the 2016 campaign and relied on uncorroborated evidence when launching its investigation.
Click here or below to watch my full line of questioning.
Biden's EPA Again Threatening the Permian Basin
This week I spoke with the Biden Administration’s Environmental and Protection Agency (EPA) Region 6 Administrator, Dr. Earthea Nance.
After speaking with Dr. Nance, I have reason to believe that the EPA fully intends to issue a discretionary ozone nonattainment redesignation for the Permian Basin, which would dramatically hamper production in our region.
I pushed back on any possible designation and urged the Administrator to finally visit the Permian Basin to understand the impact such action would have on our economy and national security. Dr. Nance must talk to the producers and families who have been in the industry for generations and have worked diligently to reduce pollution without the heavy hand of the federal government.
I will continue fighting against this possible redesignation and any further attacks from the Biden Administration against our energy industry and way of life.
The HALT Fentanyl Act will help end the fentanyl crisis by cracking down on criminals trafficking deadly fentanyl across the southern border and into our communities. It will ensure that law enforcement officers have the tools to keep these extremely lethal and dangerous drugs off our streets.
The moms and dads that I've talked to—they're tired of words. They want action and the HALT Fentanyl Act is a strong part of the solution.
I will continue working to protect our communities from the dangers of fentanyl. Click here or below to watch my full floor remarks in support of the bill.
Voting to Overturn Biden's Student Loan Bailout Scheme
Wednesday, I voted to pass H.J. Res. 24, a Congressional Review Act to override the Biden Administration’s student loan bailout scheme.
President Biden’s unconstitutional student loan bailout program was nothing but a scheme to buy votes for the 2022 election. The President’s plan will force Americans who either didn’t go to college or already paid off their loans to foot the bill for roughly $400 billion of student loan debt. House Republicans are protecting hard-working Texans from being burdened with increased taxes to pay the bills for those who willingly took on—and have yet to pay off—their debts.
Honoring World War II Veteran Harvey Droll
Karin Kuykendall in our San Angelo office awarded World War II Veteran and hero Harvey Droll with a flag flown over the U.S. Capitol and a challenge coin recognizing his unwavering bravery and sacrifice. Mr. Droll recently turned 101 and is one of the few remaining WWII veterans in Runnels County, His service is an inspiration to us all. Let us forever cherish his remarkable legacy and express our deepest gratitude.
Investigating the Biden Administration's Handling of Afghan, Pakistani Nationals on Terrorist Watchlist Crossing the Southwest Border
According to multiple sources from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), an Afghan national was apprehended near San Diego, California, along with a group of aliens who had crossed the border illegally. Reports indicate that a fingerprint scan revealed he was a match to someone on the Terrorist Screening Database, triggering an investigation by the FBI. Additionally, a Pakistani national on the FBI’s terrorist watchlist was arrested by Border Patrol agents in southeastern Arizona a day after the expiration of Title 42.
This is an incredibly concerning national security risk. In response, I joined House Committee on Homeland Security Chairman Mark E. Green, MD (R-TN), and Rep. Clay Higgins (R-LA) in sending a letter to DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas and FBI Director Christopher Wray.
In the letter, we demand information on the background of the two individuals arrested, including their specific terrorist ties, the screening process and detainment of the individuals, and whether DHS and the FBI had any prior knowledge of their travel plans.
These reported arrests raise serious questions about the security of our Southwest border and the potential for terrorists to take advantage of the glaring vulnerabilities due to the Biden-Harris administration’s open-border policies. I will continue working to hold this administration accountable and secure the border.
Thanks to the new Republican majority in the House of Representatives, the U.S. Capitol is back OPEN for tours! I had the pleasure of meeting students from Midland Christian School and Garden City High School this week on their visits to our nation's capital.
If you're planning an upcoming trip to Washington, D.C., make sure to book a tour on my website here.
Thank you for reading. It is the honor of my lifetime to serve you in Congress. Please follow me on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for daily updates.
